Sol Organica is a Nicaraguan food processing company that sources, manufactures, and exports organic certified solar dried fruit, tropical fruit purees and juices.

It was founded in 2007 by Will Burke with the aim to improve the livelihoods of tropical fruit farmers, particularly the pitaya (or dragon fruit) farmers. The company has come a long way since and is now a certified B-Corporation working closely with smallholder farmers to improve agricultural practices and secure organic and fair-trade certifications. Sol Organica offers fixed contracts that guarantee the purchase of crops at prevailing market prices.

Sol Organica’s dedication to the well-being of the smallholder farmer is reflected by the remarkable effort of setting up a bank account for each farmer, so that no one needs to carry cash in and out of the field. 90% of the farmers now have a bank account with a debit card and an increased access to financial services.

The trade finance facility from Hivos-Triodos Fund allows Sol Organica to pay smallholder farmers fairly and immediately upon delivery of their produce.